Best Unlocked Phones on Amazon for Every Budget in 2020

Whether you're planning an international trip or you just prefer not to be financially tied to your carrier, it's never a bad idea to buy your next phone unlocked. Amazon has a huge selection of unlocked phones to choose from, including the ever-popular Galaxy S10+, and the options span across all different price ranges.

The Galaxy S10+ is one of the most versatile and powerful phones on the market. You get top-end specs across the board, plus all of the hardware features you expect: an excellent display, waterproofing, wireless charging, an SD card slot, a headphone jack, and more. The cameras are consistent and capable, and the software will do anything you want adfter a little configuration.

Not everyone wants a huge phone, nor can they afford the price usually associated with it. That's where the Galaxy S10e comes in: it's essentially identical to the Galaxy S10, but comes in at a more manageable size. It cuts back in battery life and screen resolution, but is otherwise the same great experience we know and love from the S10 — for a couple hundred dollars less.

Motorola has defined the sub-$300 segment with the Moto G series, and the G7 continues the trend. You get a solid build with a big screen and specs that will get the job done. Basic cameras and just average battery life are the downsides, but the simple and consistent software are a big plus for this phone.

The Nokia 4.2 has a fantastic metal and glass design, running a clean build of Android 9 Pie with the promise of timely, continued updates thanks to Android One. It even has NFC for mobile payments. For under $200, that's a lot of phone and an incredible value.

The Nokia 5 squeezes in value with a great aluminum unibody design and a clean build of Android Pie. The trade-offs? The 5.2-inch display is only 720p resolution, it charges with Micro-USB, and it isn't part of Android One, meaning it isn't guaranteed many more updates, though Nokia has done a good job of keeping the 5 up to date anyway. Those minor gripes aside, this is still a phenomenal device when you consider the price.

It's a great idea to go unlocked

Buying a phone unlocked is a great idea, and Amazon is an easy way to grab a new device no matter your budget. If money is no object, you should, by all means, go for the Galaxy S10+. It's the best phone for most people, with just about every feature you could possibly want in a phone. Its hardware is top-notch, with the best display available and a capable set of cameras front and back.

For less money, there are other unlocked offerings on Amazon from Google, Motorola and Nokia — they all provide great experiences at much more affordable prices. The Google Pixel 3a is a particularly great value given its amazing camera. No matter your budget, you can find a reliable unlocked phone on Amazon.

Andrew Martonik

Andrew is the Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central. He has been a mobile enthusiast since the Windows Mobile days, and covering all things Android-related with a unique perspective at AC since 2012. For suggestions and updates, you can reach him at andrew.martonik@androidcentral.com or on Twitter at @andrewmartonik.